Valerean

I considered doing another no-spend month in April, but after struggling through March (and falling off the wagon) I'm not enthusiastic. I was able to save quite a bit, but I also had to pass on a couple of very nice bargains, and say "I'm not spending this month" so many times I sounded like a broken record. My guy did not help a lot with my goal and sometimes even tempted me to spend, which is when I fell off the wagon. What March taught me -- other than it is really hard not to spend any money for 31 days -- is that my behavior has to change. I need to avoid temptation, like searching for yarn lots at the online auction site. It's a fun habit, but it also tempts me to bid. Aside from what I need for one big Wool Ease project and some gifts I have planned for this coming winter, I really have enough yarn now to last me for at least a year. If I see some good sales on Hobbii, or I spot Wool Ease for a good price when I'm out at the brick and mortar ...

At the local farmer's market last weekend I bought this jar of raw honey and a bunch of organic carrots (not pictured; we ate them) with what cash I had in my wallet. They are what I hope to be my only buys in March. At the end of February I paid for my March medical insurance premium, which still has not gone up, and paid off my credit card bill as I do at the end of every month. I am currently at zero on my credit card and have no more cash, and hope to stay that way until April 1st. This is just a genuine effort on my part to see if I can go 31 days without spending any money. I wanted 2026 to be a no-spend year for me, but when my premium didn't skyrocket I thought "Why do it?" Still, I need to save up for some other things, particularly some dental work, so I'm going to back pedal and try one month. Since my guy is giving me a much-need financial break by buying our groceries every month, and I've paid all my bills, I should be fine. I have lear...